Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Michael Kelly leads OMERS Legal Division in his role as chief legal officer, overseeing various matters relating to investment and pension law, regulatory affairs, and corporate governance, including working closely with the board of directors.
He also leads OMERS approach to sustainable investing in his role as chief sustainability officer, having developed the organization’s Sustainable Investing Framework in 2019 and establishing OMERS Climate Action Plan in 2023.
Kelly represents OMERS in various domestic and international organizations focused on governance and sustainable investing, including the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance and the Investor Leadership Network.
Prior to assuming his current role in 2014, he served as executive vice president and general counsel at Borealis Infrastructure (now OMERS Infrastructure), which he joined in 2006. Before joining OMERS, he practiced corporate, commercial and regulatory law, both in-house and with firms in Toronto, London, England, and Ottawa.
Kelly was called to the bar in Ontario in 1994. He holds a BBA (Hons) from Wilfrid Laurier University (1989), a JD/LLB from the University of Toronto (1992), and an MA (International Relations) from the University of Toronto (2004). He also holds the designation of Chartered Director (C. Dir).
He is married and has two children.
EY Tower, 900-100 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON, M5H 0E2
416 678 3183
rrosenberg@heb.ca
linkedin.com/in/michael-kelly-94115a14b
omers.com
Michael Kelly
Chief Legal & Sustainability Officer OMERS
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
1994
2004
2006
2014
2019
Called to the Bar in Ontario after earning a JD/LLB from the University of Toronto in 1992 and a BBA (Hons) from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1989.
1994
Received an MA in International Relations from the University of Toronto.
2004
Joined Borealis Infrastructure (now OMERS Infrastructure) as executive vice president & general counsel.
2006
Became chief legal officer at OMERS, overseeing legal, regulatory, and governance matters, and joined the Executive Leadership Team.
2014
Along with continuing to serve as Chief Legal Officer, appointed Chief Sustainability Officer to lead OMERS approach to sustainable investing.
2019
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.